No Al-Qaeda group in Nigeria, say clerics
From Mohammed Abubakar, Terhemba Daka (Abuja), Ifedayo Sayo, (Ado-Ekiti) and Sulaimon Salau (Lagos)
VARIOUS Islamic organisations in Nigeria, including the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Assembly of Moslems in Nigeria (AMIN) yesterday joined in condemning the alleged deeds of the Nigerian terror suspect, Farouk Umar Abdulmutallab, who, on Christmas day, attempted to blow up a United States airliner.
The Islamic groups rejected the association of the youth with the religion of Islam, insisting that Islam is a religion of peace. They argued that the motive and deeds of the young Mutallab should be viewed in isolation.
Dr. Abdul-Lateef Adegbite, the NSCIA Secretary-General, who signed the statement, said the apex Islamic organisation in Nigeria was deeply shocked at the reported terror attempt.
According to the statement: "We deplore the reprehensible act which put the lives of so many passengers and crew at great risk. We, however, thank the Almighty Allah that the evil design did not materialise.
"Be that as it may, the Muslims unequivocally reject the insinuation in some quarters linking the embarrassing and condemnable incident to Islam. Islam as a religion of peace, abhors violence and forbids extra-judicial killing of people. On our part, we would continue to pray Allah to make justice prevail everywhere in the world so as to banish one of the main causes of uncontrollable anger that tends to propel otherwise sane people to resort to violence and acts of terror."
Similarly, AMIN, in a statement by its National Chairman, Sheikh Ibrahim Saleh Alhussaini, among others, advised that all must be ready to protect the rule of law in Nigeria. Also, dialogue must be intensified on issues in dispute so that a culture of moderation could be nurtured to yield lasting stability and prosperity for all nations.
The statement argued that the denial of some people's rights, suppression and injustice results in nothing, but extremism that leads to terrorism, which in most cases consumes innocent lives. It however reminded Moslems globally to recognise the fact that Islam is a religion of peace, which always preaches peaceful co-existence.
"Therefore, let us hold fast to the teachings of our religion and offer more prayers for peace and stability for Nigeria and other nations."
The AMIN chairman, who is also the chairman of the Fatwa committees of both NSCIA and Jama'atu Nasir Islam (JNI), sought the application of the principles of justice and equality on all and sundry, according to the sovereignty of every nation for the interest of humanity and peaceful co-existence, while also advocating the promotion of real democracy, human rights, development and stability in the world instead of competition in manufacturing weapons of mass destruction.
The statement also prayed for the quick recovery of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua and enjoined other Nigerians to pray for his recovery so that he could come back to move the nation forward.
Some Islamic scholars and groups have also declared that there is no al-Qaeda group in the country.
The groups said the case of Farouk Mutallab should be treated on its merit and not linked with Islam or Moslems in Nigeria, noting that by all standards, Islam abhors acts of terrorism.
The National Co-ordinator of Conference of Islamic Organisations (CIO), Mallam Abdullahi Shuaib, in a statement made available to The Guardian yesterday said the incident was an unfortunate one. "Very embarrassing and nauseating. The act of bombing a civilian aircraft is criminally minded and highly condemnable."
He absolved Mutallab's father, saying: "The father of the boy that committed the act is a well-known and respected person in the country and abroad. All his life, Abdulmutallab has no blemished record of criminal act(s) or tendency. Rather, he has contributed immensely to the growth and development of the country as an astute banker, investor and elderstatesman."
In different reactions, the Islamic scholars and groups said Nigerians are not terrorists and urged relevant security agencies to investigate the matter dispassionately.
The Director of Media & Communications of Moslem Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Mr. Disu Kamor, said all attacks that threaten peace or that are aimed at civilian targets, even in a state of war, are terrorism, are not in tandem with Islamic tradition and are therefore un-Islamic.
Kamor, in a separate statement made available to The Guardian yesterday said: "MPAC has consistently condemned all acts of terrorism, whether carried out by individuals, groups or states. We repudiate anyone or any group that plans or carries out a terrorist act and we welcome early actions by law enforcement authorities against credible threats to the safety of the travelling public.
"MPAC reaffirms Islam's teachings of peace, justice and tolerance for all. We reaffirm that Islam fiercely rejects any act of terrorism and does not tolerate the use of terrorism for any purpose, regardless of the identity of the aggressors or the nature of their motives," he said
An Abuja-based Islamic Scholar, Malam Abdulfattah Adeyemi said: "I want to say confidently that there is no connection between the accused and any religious group in Nigeria.
"We are a nation that is focused. We are at the phase of re-branding and trying to move the nation forward."
Adeyemi added: "Just like people have accused so many other countries, Moslem and non-Moslem countries, citizens and non- citizens of so many things, people should look into this matter very critically and refrain from generalised conclusions."
"I would like to say personally that Nigerians are not criminals, Nigerians are not terrorists, and ... Nigerians are not oppressors. Nigerians are great people wherever they are, home or even abroad," he added.
Speaking in the same vein, The Imam, University of Abuja, Dr. Taofik Abdulazeez, said: "... we plead with Nigerians to take this news with extreme caution and to also caution Nigerians and Nigerian authorities not to rush into actions and not to draw costly conclusions out of it."
"However, it is viewed as Allah's own design to beam a searchlight into the possible connection between economic prosperity and tendency to criminality," he added.
The Moslem community in Ekiti State has also condemned the botched attempt.
In a statement yesterday by the Baba Egbe Musulumi of Ado-Ekiti, Alhaji Jamiu, the community said though the said Mutallab claimed to be a Moslem, he neither represents the Islamic faith nor is his action a reflection of the Islamic position on issues.
According to the statement, "Islam is a religion of peace which has as its central element peaceful co-existence with people of other faiths. Prophet Mohammed demonstrated this by living peacefully with people of other faiths while he was in Medina.
"As a member of NAIREC and Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, what we preach is peaceful co-existence between Moslems and people of other faiths"
The group added that violence or religious fundamentalism has no basis in Islam and anybody who preaches violence or engages in violence under the pretext of propagating Islam is on his own.
They described Umar Mutallab as a misguided youth, a disgrace and an embarrassment to Islam and it is unfortunate that rather than condemning Umar alone, many have condemned all Nigerian Moslems.
They also admonished Moslem youths to desist from acts that can tarnish the image of Islam and steer clear of dangerous organisations that give Islam a bad name.
The community further advised parents to take good care of their children and not to over-pamper them, saying the case of Mutallab appears to be that of a more of a spoilt brat.
In an interview in Abuja, Abass Braimah exposed that terrorism, now a global threat would soon creep into the country to threaten lives and projects of government.
"It is very sad, not just for Nigeria but for Africa as a continent and the entire world because terrorism is a global problem.
"It is just unfortunate that Nigeria which has had a clean bill when it comes to terrorist activities, is not touched by it, and it goes to show that no country in the world is insulated.
"It is a global problem; it is a global challenge and is a problem that needs global efforts and responsibility.
"It is very sad, but I think it is a clarion call for Nigeria as a country to tighten up its loose ends in terms of internal security," he said.
The lawmaker called on parents to always watch the actions and activities of their children to ensure that they don't deviate from values and norms of the family and society.
In his words, "It is again a clarion call on parents to keep an eye on their children to make sure that these children do not imbibe certain negative elements that will of course twist their reasoning."
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Politicians, others besiege Minna to condole with Babangida
UNDETERRED by the sudden change in the burial arrangement for his wife, Maryam, sypathisers led by prominent politicians and military bigwigs trooped in large numbers to the hill-top mansion of the former military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, turning it into a pilgrimage site of sorts throughout yesterday.
The family of the deceased had earlier fixed 11.00 a.m yesterday for the burial of the country's most flamboyant First Lady but altered the timing and buried her 12.45 a.m., about 11 hours earlier.
The scene was colourful and dramatic. All the three entrances to the mansion were blocked by well-armed armed military and police personnel.
But the security men were to find that the large turn-out of sympathisers had outweighed the
measures put in place, therefore, the situation warranted other ad-hoc security measures.
A top ranking security man who spoke with The Guardian on condition of anonymity admitted that the crowd would have been more difficult to control had Maryam not been buried earlier.
Vehicles were made to park about two kilometres to the mansion, an arrangement that forced many people to embark on a long trek.
The visitors ranged from politicians, royal fathers, serving and former public office holders, top military officers (both serving and retired) to business associates of the family. Even the ordinary people were not left out.
Senate President David Mark, dressed in a white caftan, who arrived at exactly 11.20 a.m, led the serving public holders' categories while former President Shehu Shagari, who had come at 10.25 am, led the category of former public office holders.
And shortly after another prayer was held for the deceased right inside the mansion for the repose of her soul, the visitors poured forth tributes, describing her as a model for women in Africa and beyond.
Mark said: "Her activities were giant strides that were difficult to measure because she did so much for Nigeria women. She impacted so much on the lives of all Nigerians not just the women, but the boys and girls of this country. Her Better Life Programme for the Rural Woman cut across not just the women alone but even the men and I think all Nigerians will remember her for that."
Former Head of State, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, dressed in a simple and flowing white caftan, however, would not want to make a comment but when journalists later forced him to do so, he simply declared: "We came here to pray and that is all you can do to those who died. Anything I will say have been fully covered by you journalists. We are all on transition. That is all I can say".
To the former Information Minister and presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prof. Jerry Gana, "Maryam's death is a tremendous loss to both Niger State and the nation. Maryam lived a life of compassion, a life of wanting a better life for other people; she was very famous in her Better Life Programme, which she used to transform the lives of Nigerian women. We will remember her as someone who was very dedicated to excellence, dedicated to humanity, dedicated to justice, fairness and equity."
Former Deputy President of the Senate, Ibrahim Mantu spoke in these words: "Her death is not only a loss to her immediate family but to the entire nation. The nation is mourning at the moment because this is a woman who actually changed the face of the nation by creating activities like the Better Life for the Rural Woman that has actually empowered rural women. She put smiles on millions of faces, and I have no doubt in my mind that Allah will put smiles on her face by granting her Aljanat Fiddau. This is the time for all of us to reflect on the good work she did and she has left something for posterity. I will want Nigerian first ladies to emulate her humility and her concern for the less privileged in the society. I will like the Nigerian first ladies to also establish NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) that will outlive them, not NGOs that will go with them when they are out of office."
Former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu said: "Maryam bore a symbol of patriotism and dedication to women liberation and development all over Africa. She did not use her privileged position only for her self. Rather, she did a good job of bringing liberation to women particularly to the rural folk, the market women especially. She was a very humble woman. I advise Nigerian women to continue to work hard and continue to develop her legacies. They should continue to promote her values and eliminate poverty among our women."
House of Representatives member, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa who was Maryam's press secretary while in office as First Lady said: "She taught me so many values in life. I learnt so much from her that anywhere you are and whatever you do make life better for other people. Her better life programme is the most successful NGO anybody has ever embarked up till today. Till today, anywhere you go, you see women who tell you that Maryam made them. I will miss her counseling. I will miss her words of wisdom and her advice. Her legacies will live forever".
In the meantime, encomiums have continued to pour in for Maryam.
Former Chief of General Staff, Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya (rtd), in a statement titled: "Adieu! Icon of Better Life for Womanhood," said: "The death of Chief (Mrs.) Maryam Babangida represents yet another major depletion of the rank of Nigerians who used their privileged position as platform of crusade for enthronement of a better Nigeria.
"It is not life itself that matters but the end of which a life is used. By any definition, Chief (Mrs.) Maryam Babangida lived a useful, impact-full, responsible and highly successive life. Chief (Mrs.) Maryam Babangida, succeeded in making her name, a household name in Nigeria through the famous 'Better Life Programme for the Rural Woman' project."
Diya added: "Chief Maryam Babangida was an epitome of the very best in womanhood - a virtuous and devoted wife, compassionate mother, dynamic, energetic and highly responsible woman leader. Chief (Mrs.) Maryam Babangida radiated much vibrancy, vitality, resourcefulness and humility to a level that made her personality unforgettable."
Dignitaries who paid their last respects included the wife of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (a former Vice-President), Chief Titi Abubakar, the Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akinyuli as well as the Governors of Ogun, Kogi and Imo states.
Mrs. Abubakar described the deceased as a friend and an associate whose death came as a surprise to everyone.
"She was a very beautiful woman," Akinyuli said.
When asked about rate at which cancer was killing Nigerians in the absence of good medical facilities, the minister noted that regular check-up was important to detect cancer early enough for it to be treated or the growth reduced.
"Luckily, the First Lady Hajia Turai Yar'Adua is building a cancer centre and I know that many NGOs across the country are doing one thing or the other about cancer. By the grace of God the future will be better for women because it is women that actually suffer more from cancer especially ovarian and breast cancer."
Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, said Maryam, had already immortalised herself in the hearts of the people with her good work with the Better Life for the Rural Woman Programme.
Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State described Maryam as "a breath of fresh air" while alive but whose death was a great loss to the nation.
Oshiomhole made the assertion yesterday during a condolence visit to the former military President at his Hilltop Mansion in Minna.
According to Oshiomhole, "she brought a lot of respect to the office of the First Lady, because before her, not much was known about that office and she used that office for the promotion of the rural women."
He added: "She reminds all of us who occupy public position to not just look at our own material comfort but to have time to reflect on the poor.
"I still can't find any other programme that can rival her work with the Better Life for the Rural Woman. We all miss her and it is sad that she left at the time that she did, but God gives and God takes and we cannot fault God.
"Of course she had already immortalised her name by her work. Everytime you talk about rural women, you talk about the rural poor, the conditions of the forgotten majority in the rural parts of Nigeria, you can't but remember the agenda, which Maryam put in place to address and bring to the national consciousness the condition of the rural poor people, particularly the women who are among the poorest of the poor and I think that's what will be in the memory of Nigerians.
"Of course, future generations may not know and therefore whatever can be done to immortalise her name is something that will encourage future First Ladies to recognise that when they occupy privileged position, they should devote part of it and use their office to address the challenges facing the poor."
But former elected civilian governor of Cross River State, Mr. Clement Ebri, called for the immortalisation of Maryam's ideals as a house wife, first lady and founder of the Better Life Programme for Rural the Woman.
Ebri, who governed Cross River State during Babangida's mlitary presidency expressed shock over Maryam's death.
He condoled with her husband, children and close relations, including Nigerian women whom he said benefited from the pet project.
He also commended her role in raising political, social and cultural consciousness of women in Nigeria and for giving her husband all the support he needed while he piloted the affairs of the country as president at that difficult period.
Ebri, who spoke from the United States (U.S.), asserted that the late Mrs. Babangida developed the most comprehensive outreach programme for women in the country and tried to sustain the programme even after her husband left office.
He urged Nigerian women to pray for the repose of her soul and for God to make available to mankind more of her type. The erstwhile governor prayed God to give her husband, children and Nigerians the fortitude to bear her loss, which he described as irreparable.
The family of the deceased had earlier fixed 11.00 a.m yesterday for the burial of the country's most flamboyant First Lady but altered the timing and buried her 12.45 a.m., about 11 hours earlier.
The scene was colourful and dramatic. All the three entrances to the mansion were blocked by well-armed armed military and police personnel.
But the security men were to find that the large turn-out of sympathisers had outweighed the
measures put in place, therefore, the situation warranted other ad-hoc security measures.
A top ranking security man who spoke with The Guardian on condition of anonymity admitted that the crowd would have been more difficult to control had Maryam not been buried earlier.
Vehicles were made to park about two kilometres to the mansion, an arrangement that forced many people to embark on a long trek.
The visitors ranged from politicians, royal fathers, serving and former public office holders, top military officers (both serving and retired) to business associates of the family. Even the ordinary people were not left out.
Senate President David Mark, dressed in a white caftan, who arrived at exactly 11.20 a.m, led the serving public holders' categories while former President Shehu Shagari, who had come at 10.25 am, led the category of former public office holders.
And shortly after another prayer was held for the deceased right inside the mansion for the repose of her soul, the visitors poured forth tributes, describing her as a model for women in Africa and beyond.
Mark said: "Her activities were giant strides that were difficult to measure because she did so much for Nigeria women. She impacted so much on the lives of all Nigerians not just the women, but the boys and girls of this country. Her Better Life Programme for the Rural Woman cut across not just the women alone but even the men and I think all Nigerians will remember her for that."
Former Head of State, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, dressed in a simple and flowing white caftan, however, would not want to make a comment but when journalists later forced him to do so, he simply declared: "We came here to pray and that is all you can do to those who died. Anything I will say have been fully covered by you journalists. We are all on transition. That is all I can say".
To the former Information Minister and presidential aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prof. Jerry Gana, "Maryam's death is a tremendous loss to both Niger State and the nation. Maryam lived a life of compassion, a life of wanting a better life for other people; she was very famous in her Better Life Programme, which she used to transform the lives of Nigerian women. We will remember her as someone who was very dedicated to excellence, dedicated to humanity, dedicated to justice, fairness and equity."
Former Deputy President of the Senate, Ibrahim Mantu spoke in these words: "Her death is not only a loss to her immediate family but to the entire nation. The nation is mourning at the moment because this is a woman who actually changed the face of the nation by creating activities like the Better Life for the Rural Woman that has actually empowered rural women. She put smiles on millions of faces, and I have no doubt in my mind that Allah will put smiles on her face by granting her Aljanat Fiddau. This is the time for all of us to reflect on the good work she did and she has left something for posterity. I will want Nigerian first ladies to emulate her humility and her concern for the less privileged in the society. I will like the Nigerian first ladies to also establish NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) that will outlive them, not NGOs that will go with them when they are out of office."
Former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu said: "Maryam bore a symbol of patriotism and dedication to women liberation and development all over Africa. She did not use her privileged position only for her self. Rather, she did a good job of bringing liberation to women particularly to the rural folk, the market women especially. She was a very humble woman. I advise Nigerian women to continue to work hard and continue to develop her legacies. They should continue to promote her values and eliminate poverty among our women."
House of Representatives member, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa who was Maryam's press secretary while in office as First Lady said: "She taught me so many values in life. I learnt so much from her that anywhere you are and whatever you do make life better for other people. Her better life programme is the most successful NGO anybody has ever embarked up till today. Till today, anywhere you go, you see women who tell you that Maryam made them. I will miss her counseling. I will miss her words of wisdom and her advice. Her legacies will live forever".
In the meantime, encomiums have continued to pour in for Maryam.
Former Chief of General Staff, Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya (rtd), in a statement titled: "Adieu! Icon of Better Life for Womanhood," said: "The death of Chief (Mrs.) Maryam Babangida represents yet another major depletion of the rank of Nigerians who used their privileged position as platform of crusade for enthronement of a better Nigeria.
"It is not life itself that matters but the end of which a life is used. By any definition, Chief (Mrs.) Maryam Babangida lived a useful, impact-full, responsible and highly successive life. Chief (Mrs.) Maryam Babangida, succeeded in making her name, a household name in Nigeria through the famous 'Better Life Programme for the Rural Woman' project."
Diya added: "Chief Maryam Babangida was an epitome of the very best in womanhood - a virtuous and devoted wife, compassionate mother, dynamic, energetic and highly responsible woman leader. Chief (Mrs.) Maryam Babangida radiated much vibrancy, vitality, resourcefulness and humility to a level that made her personality unforgettable."
Dignitaries who paid their last respects included the wife of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (a former Vice-President), Chief Titi Abubakar, the Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akinyuli as well as the Governors of Ogun, Kogi and Imo states.
Mrs. Abubakar described the deceased as a friend and an associate whose death came as a surprise to everyone.
"She was a very beautiful woman," Akinyuli said.
When asked about rate at which cancer was killing Nigerians in the absence of good medical facilities, the minister noted that regular check-up was important to detect cancer early enough for it to be treated or the growth reduced.
"Luckily, the First Lady Hajia Turai Yar'Adua is building a cancer centre and I know that many NGOs across the country are doing one thing or the other about cancer. By the grace of God the future will be better for women because it is women that actually suffer more from cancer especially ovarian and breast cancer."
Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, said Maryam, had already immortalised herself in the hearts of the people with her good work with the Better Life for the Rural Woman Programme.
Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State described Maryam as "a breath of fresh air" while alive but whose death was a great loss to the nation.
Oshiomhole made the assertion yesterday during a condolence visit to the former military President at his Hilltop Mansion in Minna.
According to Oshiomhole, "she brought a lot of respect to the office of the First Lady, because before her, not much was known about that office and she used that office for the promotion of the rural women."
He added: "She reminds all of us who occupy public position to not just look at our own material comfort but to have time to reflect on the poor.
"I still can't find any other programme that can rival her work with the Better Life for the Rural Woman. We all miss her and it is sad that she left at the time that she did, but God gives and God takes and we cannot fault God.
"Of course she had already immortalised her name by her work. Everytime you talk about rural women, you talk about the rural poor, the conditions of the forgotten majority in the rural parts of Nigeria, you can't but remember the agenda, which Maryam put in place to address and bring to the national consciousness the condition of the rural poor people, particularly the women who are among the poorest of the poor and I think that's what will be in the memory of Nigerians.
"Of course, future generations may not know and therefore whatever can be done to immortalise her name is something that will encourage future First Ladies to recognise that when they occupy privileged position, they should devote part of it and use their office to address the challenges facing the poor."
But former elected civilian governor of Cross River State, Mr. Clement Ebri, called for the immortalisation of Maryam's ideals as a house wife, first lady and founder of the Better Life Programme for Rural the Woman.
Ebri, who governed Cross River State during Babangida's mlitary presidency expressed shock over Maryam's death.
He condoled with her husband, children and close relations, including Nigerian women whom he said benefited from the pet project.
He also commended her role in raising political, social and cultural consciousness of women in Nigeria and for giving her husband all the support he needed while he piloted the affairs of the country as president at that difficult period.
Ebri, who spoke from the United States (U.S.), asserted that the late Mrs. Babangida developed the most comprehensive outreach programme for women in the country and tried to sustain the programme even after her husband left office.
He urged Nigerian women to pray for the repose of her soul and for God to make available to mankind more of her type. The erstwhile governor prayed God to give her husband, children and Nigerians the fortitude to bear her loss, which he described as irreparable.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Airline bomber hosted 'war on terror week' at London college as it is revealed U.S. security were warned of terrorist attack by 'a Nigerian'
- Fears Al Qaeda groomed bomber at London University
- Obama criticises U.S. intelligence service after data from bomber's father was 'not effectively distributed'
- Claim U.S. security was aware 'a Nigerian' in Yemen was being prepared for an attack - weeks before attempted bombing
- Dutch introduce body scanners for flights to America
The Christmas Day bomb plotter helped organise a 'war on terror' conference while studying in the UK, it emerged today.
Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab oversaw the week-long event, held two years ago, during his time as president of University College London's (UCL) Islamic Society.
The 23-year-old attempted to ignite explosives stored in his underpants as the flight from Amsterdam, carrying 280 passengers, made its final descent into Detroit on Friday.
A series of lectures were held at UCL from January 29 2007 to February 2 2007, including one called 'Jihad Vs Terrorism'.
It was billed as a 'lecture on the Islamic position with respect to Jihad and other issues'.
During the conference he held lectures such as Jihad v Terrorism, which was billed as 'a lecture on the Islamic position with respect to jihad', and hosted talks by former Guantanamo Bay detainees.
A poster advertising the week carries the name Umar Farook and includes events featuring former British Guantanamo detainee Moazzam Begg entitled Bring Our Boys Home.
Another was called And The War Goes On, with controversial MP George Galloway listed among the speakers. Mr Galloway denies ever having spoken at such an event.
His wealthy family said they believed he was radicalised while attending the British International School in Lome, the capital of Togo and after he broke off contact, they approached foreign security agencies expressing concern about his state of mind and requesting 'assistance to find and return him home'.
Home Secretary Alan Johnson has revealed Abdulmutallab was banned from entering Britain and placed on a 'watch list' earlier this year. He was refused a new visa and was monitored since last May after applying for a bogus course.
It was also revealed today MI5 managed to link Abdulmutallab to a known Muslim extremist while he was living in Britain.
The agency had the extremist under surveillance. The connection was discovered when MI5 checked its records following the failed attack, security sources told the paper.
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, an alliance of militants based in Saudi Arabia and Yemen, said the action was retaliation for a US operation against the group in Yemen.
The group said in an internet statement that the failed attack exposed the 'large myth' of American and international security services and claimed only a 'technical error' had prevented the bomb from detonating.
Yemeni foreign minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi said there were as many as 300 Al Qaeda militants planning terror attacks from his country and appealed for more help from the international community to train and equip forces to root them out.
Dr al-Qirbi said it was the 'responsibility' of countries with strong intelligence capabilities to warn states such as Yemen about the movements of terror suspects.
And he said that the U.S., Britain and the EU could do 'a lot' to improve Yemen's response to militants on its own soil.
'We have to work in a very joint fashion in partnership to combat terrorism,' he said. 'If we do, the problem will be brought under control.
'There is support, but I must say it is inadequate. We need more training, we have to expand our counter-terrorism units and provide them with equipment and transportation like helicopters.'
The Dutch government said a preliminary investigation had found all security checks were carried out correctly and a passenger list, including Abdulmutallab's name, had been cleared by American authorities.
Today it announced that body scanners would be introduced at Schiphol Airport, in Amsterdam, for flights to America.
As it was revealed today that American security services received intelligence suggesting 'a Nigerian' in Yemen was planning a terrorist attack weeks before a passenger jet was targeted on Christmas Day, US President Barack Obama condemned his country's intelligence failures.
President Obama said their had been a 'systemic failure' that allowed the bomb plotter to board the aircraft despite warnings about his extremist views.
Mr Obama branded as 'unacceptable' the fact that agencies did not properly share information on Umar Farouk Adbulmutallab - information that, if it had been passed on properly, would have barred him from flying.
He said initial investigations into the failed attack had found the information passed on by the father of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was not passed on.
'Where our government has information on a known extremist and that information is not shared and acted upon as it should have so that this extremist boarded a plane with dangerous explosives that could have cost nearly 300 lives, a systemic failure has occurred and I consider that totally unacceptable,' he said.
'We need to learn from this episode and act quickly to fix the flaws in our system because our security is at stake and lives are at stake,' he said last night in a statement from Hawaii where he is holidaying with his family.
Mr Obama said the concerns of the suspect's father, expressed to U.S. officials in his native Nigeria, had been passed to the U.S. authorities 'weeks ago'.
'Weeks ago, this information was passed to a component of our intelligence community but was not effectively distributed so as to get the suspect's name on a no-fly list,' he said.
But he said even without that warning, the U.S. had enough material to have ensured Abdulmutallab would not have been free to fly.
'There were bits of information available within the intelligence community which could have, and should have, been pieced together.
'Had this critical information been shared, it could have been compiled with other intelligence and a fuller clearer picture of the suspect would have emerged.'The warning signs would have triggered red flags and the suspect would have never been allowed to board that plane for America.'
The anti-terrorism intelligence system put in place in the wake of the 9/11 attacks was 'not sufficiently up to date to take full advantage of the information we collect and the knowledge we have'.
The President paid tribute to the 'extraordinary' work of U.S. intelligence in general, but conceded that in this case there had been 'a mix of human and systemic failures that contributed to this potentially catastrophic breach of security'.
While he was committed to providing all the tools and resources necessary, 'it is also my job to ensure the intelligence, law enforcement and homeland security systems, and the people in them, are working effectively and held accountable'.
'I intend to fulfill that responsibility and insist on accountability at every level.'
Nigerian-born Abdulmutallab is being held at a federal prison in Michigan on a charge of trying to destroy an aircraft after attempting to ignite the device as the plane made its final descent into Detroit on Friday.
Obama blames 'systemic failure' of US intelligence for Christmas Day bomber getting on plane
Mr Obama said initial investigations into the failed attack had found the information passed on by the father of Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab was not properly shared, meaning he was not barred from flying.
'Where our government has information on a known extremist and that information is not shared and acted upon as it should have so that this extremist boarded a plane with dangerous explosives that could have cost nearly 300 lives, a systemic failure has occurred and I consider that totally unacceptable,' he said.
'We need to learn from this episode and act quickly to fix the flaws in our system because our security is at stake and lives are at stake,' he said last night in a statement from Hawaii where he is holidaying with his family.
Mr Obama said the concerns of the suspect's father, expressed to US officials in his native Nigeria, had been passed to the US authorities 'weeks ago'.
'Weeks ago, this information was passed to a component of our intelligence community but was not effectively distributed so as to get the suspect's name on a no-fly list,' he said.
But he said even without that warning, the US had enough material to have ensured Abdulmutallab would not have been free to fly.
'There were bits of information available within the intelligence community which could have, and should have, been pieced together.
'Had this critical information been shared, it could have been compiled with other intelligence and a fuller clearer picture of the suspect would have emerged.
'The warning signs would have triggered red flags and the suspect would have never been allowed to board that plane for America.'
The anti-terrorism intelligence system put in place in the wake of the 9/11 attacks was 'not sufficiently up to date to take full advantage of the information we collect and the knowledge we have'.
The President paid tribute to the 'extraordinary' work of US intelligence in general, but conceded that in this case there had been 'a mix of human and systemic failures that contributed to this potentially catastrophic breach of security'.
While he was committed to providing all the tools and resources necessary, 'it is also my job to ensure the intelligence, law enforcement and homeland security systems, and the people in them, are working effectively and held accountable'.
I intend to fulfil that responsibility and insist on accountability at every level.'
Abdulmutallab, 23, a former engineering student at University College London, has reportedly told FBI agents he is one of many would-be terrorists in Yemen ready to carry out attacks in the near future.
He was president of the university's Islamic Society, which held lectures such as Jihad v Terrorism, which was billed as 'a lecture on the Islamic position with respect to jihad', and hosted talks by former Guantanamo Bay detainees.
His wealthy family said they believed he was radicalised while attending the British International School in Lome, the capital of Togo and after he broke off contact, they approached foreign security agencies expressing concern about his state of mind and requesting 'assistance to find and return him home'.
Home Secretary Alan Johnson has revealed Abdulmutallab was banned from entering Britain and placed on a 'watch list' earlier this year. He was refused a new visa and was monitored since last May after applying for a bogus course.
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, an alliance of militants based in Saudi Arabia and Yemen, said the action was retaliation for a US operation against the group in Yemen.
The group said in an internet statement that the failed attack exposed the 'large myth' of American and international security services and claimed only a 'technical error' had prevented the bomb from detonating.
Yemeni foreign minister Abu Bakr al-Qirbi said there were as many as 300 Al Qaeda militants planning terror attacks from his country and appealed for more help from the international community to train and equip forces to root them out.
Dr al-Qirbi said it was the 'responsibility' of countries with strong intelligence capabilities to warn states such as Yemen about the movements of terror suspects.
And he said that the US, Britain and the EU could do 'a lot' to improve Yemen's response to militants on its own soil.
'We have to work in a very joint fashion in partnership to combat terrorism,' he said. 'If we do, the problem will be brought under control.
'There is support, but I must say it is inadequate. We need more training, we have to expand our counter-terrorism units and provide them with equipment and transportation like helicopters.'
Nigerian-born Abdulmutallab is being held at a federal prison in Michigan on a charge of trying to destroy an aircraft after attempting to ignite the device as the plane made its final descent into Detroit on Friday.
In his first public statement on the issue on Monday, Mr Obama announced reviews into 'what went wrong' with airport security and the monitoring of suspected terrorists.
Preliminary findings are due to be presented tomorrow, he said in his latest statement.
Photographs apparently showing the underpants filled with explosives allegedly worn by Abdulmutallab were broadcast by ABC News.
The American government pictures show the singed underwear with a six-inch packet of a high explosive called PETN sewn into the crotch, the US network reported.
ABC News said Abdulmutallab was carrying about 80g of PETN, more than one-and-a-half times the amount carried by 'shoe bomber' Richard Reid in 2001 and enough to blow a hole in the side of an aircraft.
His former tutors at University College London, where he was a student between 2005 and 2008, described him as 'well-mannered, quietly spoken, polite and able' and said he never gave any cause for concern.
He apparently wrote of his loneliness and struggle between liberalism and Islamic extremism in a series of postings on Facebook and in Islamic chatrooms, the Washington Post reported.
In January 2005, when he was attending boarding school, he wrote: 'I have no one to speak to. No one to consult, no one to support me and I feel depressed and lonely. I do not know what to do. And then I think this loneliness leads me to other problems.'
British police and MI5 have been diverting resources to investigate the importance of the Nigerian's links to London.
Throughout the weekend, search teams combed the imposing mansion block in Mansfield Road, close to Oxford Street, where Abdulmutallab used to live in the capital
'Lonely bomber' in his own words: What Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab wrote about his family, sex life and his love of Liverpool Football Club
The disturbed mind of the Christmas Day airline bomber is evident in a series of tormented postings he wrote on the internet.
As a lonely 18-year-old, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab turned to an Islamic web forum as he struggled with his shame over his sexuality and growing alienation from his family.
His innermost thoughts reveal a shy and awkward teenager who loved football – but also contain chilling hints of the terrorist he would become.
hey show an increasingly religious and intolerant young man who fantasised about becoming a Muslim holy warrior in the ‘great jihad’ that would take place across the world.
In 310 internet posts written between 2005 and 2007, ‘Farouk1986’ – Abdulmutallab’s middle name and year of birth – desperately searches for guidance and help in hastily written messages filled with spelling and grammatical errors.
While at a prestigious British boarding school in Togo, he wrote: ‘First of all, I have no friends.
‘Not because I do not socialise, etc but because either people do not want to get too close to me as they go partying and stuff while I don’t, or they are bad people who befriend me and influence me to do bad things.
Hence I am in a situation where I do not have a friend, I have no one to speak too, no one to consult, no one to support me and I feel depressed and lonely. I do not know what to do.’
The posts were made on an Islamic bulletin board called Gawaher, which literally translates from Arabic as ‘gems’ or ‘jewels,’ but can also be read as ‘essence’ or ‘spirit’.
They started in 2005 when Abdulmutallab was 18 and preparing to apply to British universities. He wrote about his privileged upbringing in Nigeria and his family’s wealth.
Abdulmutallab’s father, Alhaji Umaru Mutallab, a frequent visitor to the U.S., retired this year as chairman of First Bank of Nigeria and still sits on the boards of several prominent Nigerian firms.
His love of sport, British football in particular, is evident with his fervent support of Liverpool, and his disparaging remarks about other clubs.
But gradually the football-mad teenager with academic ambitions is replaced by a student ideologue.
He writes of his struggles between balancing Islamic tolerance and fundamentalism.
‘I want to talk about my dilemma between liberalism and extremism,’ he writes. ‘The Prophet (S) said religion is easy and anyone who tries to overburden themselves will find it hard and will not be able to continue.
‘So anytime I relax, I deviate sometimes and then when I strive hard, I get tired of what I am doing i.e. memorising the quran, etc. How should one put the balance right?’
And there are chilling hints of the deadly role he was to play following his terror training in Yemen earlier this year.
He wrote: ‘I won’t go into too much details about my fantasy, but basically they are Jihad fantasies. I imagine how the great jihad will take place, how the Muslims will win (Allah willing) and rule the whole world, and establish the greatest empire once again.’
He also confides that he struggles with his sexual desires – encapsulated by the religious duty of ‘lowering the gaze’ in the presence of women.
‘And then I think this loneliness leads me to other problems,’ he writes. ‘As I get lonely, the natural sexual drive awakens and I struggle to control it, sometimes leading to minor sinful activities like not lowering the gaze.
‘And this problem makes me want to get married to avoid getting aroused.
‘The Prophet (S) advised young men to fast if they can’t get married but it has not been helping me much and I seriously don’t want to wait for years before I get married.’
In December 2005, Farouk1986 wrote that his parents were visiting him in London and that he was torn about whether he could eat meat with them.
‘I am of the view meat not slaughtered by Muslims … is haram [forbidden] for consumption unless necessary,’ he wrote.
‘My parents are of the view as foreigners, we are allowed to … eat any meat.
‘It occured [sic] to me I should not be eating with my parents as they use meat I consider haram. But I fear this might cause division and other complicated family problems.’
While officials haven’t verified that the postings were written by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, details from the posts match his personal history.
Abdulmutallab, the youngest of 16 children and a son of the second of his father’s two wives, was raised at the family home in Kaduna, a city in Nigeria’s Muslim-dominated north.
At boarding school, he earned the nickname ‘Alfa,’ a local term for Muslim clerics, because of his penchant for preaching Islam. He went on to study at UCL in London, from 2005 to 2008.
Fabrizio Cavallo Marincola, 22, who studied with him, said he graduated in May 2008 and showed no signs of radicalisation or of links to al-Qaeda.
‘He always did the bare minimum of work,’ Mr Marincola said. ‘When we were studying, he always would go off to pray.
‘He was pretty quiet and didn’t socialise much or have a girlfriend that I knew of.’
Farouk1986 also refers to his love of Liverpool FC in the posts, mocking Arsenal fans for the state of their home ground Highbury stadium.
Writing in February 2005 he described the stadium as a 'tiny junkyard', adding: 'How can someone get to like Arsenal? I tried to, but no way, I've been to several football stadiums, I must say Highbury was one of the least impressive, a tiny junkyard sought of place in the streets of London, what a pity!'
He also made reference to players Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, writing: 'Lampard is really becoming a classy player. Now I think his better than Gerrard.
'Gerrard might regret leaving Liverpool, but somehow I want him to leave. He keeps on saying the team needs improving when he needs a lot to improve.
'He's getting more inconsistent with time and pressure is on him. He seems to be handling it pretty badly.'
Farouk1986 was enthusiastic and described parts of the city as being traditional and quiet and other parts bustling, with Western fast-food restaurants, amusement parks and gyms.
'Its quite cheap too,' the writer gushed. 'Yemenis are so friendly and welcoming.'
Early investigations into the Christmas Day jet bomb have uncovered ‘systemic’ security flaws, Barack Obama said on Tuesday.
‘It is becoming clear that the system … is not sufficiently up to date,’ he said. ‘A systemic failure has occurred and I consider that totally unacceptable.’
The U.S President said information passed on to U.S. intelligence by Abdulmutallab’s father should have been acted on to stop him boarding the plane.
He had been concerned about his son’s behaviour and alerted both the U.S. and Nigerian authorities.
Mr Obama said the U.S. would have to act quickly to remedy the flaws in the security system.
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